Port Adelaide have been hit by the news star forward Charlie Dixon is looking at another month on the sidelines as he attempts to battle back from injury.
The Power are priced at 2/5 to beat Adelaide Crows in the showdown on Friday night but have been hit with some bad news concerning Dixon.
Dixon injury setback
Port have yet to win a game this season and the absence of their influential forward has been a big setback for them.
The 31-year-old underwent surgery on his ankle on the eve of the season but was making good progress and a return to coach Ken Hinkley’s side looked imminent.
Related Port Adelaide news
Gray added to Port injury list
Port duo suffer injury setbacks
However Dixon has suffered a setback in training and is now looking at another month on the sidelines. And in another blow ahead of the Showdown, Robbie Gray has been ruled out of the clash.
"It's a big concern," Hinkley said of the Dixon setback. "Charlie, hasn't missed a game in two years (prior), he's a critical piece of our team as is Aliir (Aliir) down the other end. But we need to step up. We need to fill the boots of someone who is not there."
Pressure is on
Adelaide are also winless going into Friday’s derby game and Hinkley admits the pressure is on his side to get a result.
"We deserve the pressure, we embrace the pressure," Hinkley added. "Pressure is good as far as we expect to be a good side, our expectation as a football club is we are a strong and high performing team.
"And with that comes expectation and pressure, that is part of the game. It's not something that we get spooked by, it's something that we understand and appreciate."
